Tree stand

Abstract

A Christmas-tree stand (2) essentially consists of a housing (6) in which two clamping bars (18, 20) are rotatably supported so as to allow a swivelling movement around two support pins (22, 24). The activation of the clamping straps (18, 20) takes place via a central clamping device which essentially consists of a threaded rod (26) with two inversely threaded sections (32, 34) constructed thereon. When rotating the threaded rod (26), the free ends of the clamping bars (18, 20) are moved along by the nuts (30, 30') running along with the threaded sections (32, 34), so that a Christmas-tree trunk can be fixed or fastened between the clamping bars (18, 20).

We claim: 
     
       1. Tree stand comprising: a housing having a vertical axis;   a receiving opening positioned in said housing which is traversed by said vertical axis and in which a tree trunk may be vertically received such that said tree trunk is disposed within said housing substantially parallel to said vertical axis;   at least two substantially horizontally arranged clamping bars defining said receiving opening, said clamping bars including a free end and a supported end and being supported at said supported ends so as to allow said clamping bars to swivel in a substantially horizontal plane at said supported ends, said receiving opening being adjustable by said clamping bars whereby said clamping bars may be engaged with said tree trunk, wherein each of said free ends of said clamping bars includes a threaded region; and   a central clamping device including two inversely threaded sections which engage said threaded regions of said free ends of said clamping bars, said central clamping device comprising a threaded rod which is rotatable with respect to said housing, wherein said clamping bars are adapted to move simultaneously and substantially symmetrically with respect to said vertical axis responsive to rotation of said threaded rod.   
     
     
       2. Tree stand according to claim 1, wherein said threaded rod can be caused to turn from outside of said housing. 
     
     
       3. Tree stand according to claim 2, further comprising: a handle connected to said threaded rod for rotating said threaded rod.   
     
     
       4. Tree stand according to claim 1, wherein said clamping bars include gripping claws facing said receiving opening. 
     
     
       5. Tree stand according to claim 4, wherein said gripping claws form semi-circular recesses within said clamping bars. 
     
     
       6. Tree stand according to claim 1, wherein at least one of said clamping bars has a cross-section in the shape of a U lying on its side including two legs extending towards said receiving opening. 
     
     
       7. Tree stand according to claim 1, wherein at least one of said clamping bars includes a substantially full engagement area for engaging at least a partial area of the axial length of said tree trunk. 
     
     
       8. Tree stand according to claim 1, further comprising a connecting plate including a boring disposed adjacent said support end of at least one of said clamping bars, whereby at least one of said clamping bars may be caused to pivot with respect to said housing. 
     
     
       9. Tree stand according to claim 1, further comprising a cover which completely covers said clamping bars and said clamping device, and can be placed on said housing from above. 
     
     
       10. The tree stand of claim 1, wherein said threaded regions comprise non-rotatable nuts disposed within said free ends of said clamping bars. 
     
     
       11. Tree stand according to claim 1, wherein said clamping bars may be pitched about their longitudinal axes to fasten a tree trunk having an irregular outer surface.